Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Millions of Americans are affected by the disease, so it’s important to know the facts. A few common myths about Alzheimer’s include:
Myth: Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing.
- Fact: Dementia refers to impaired memory, thinking, reasoning, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia.
Myth: I will develop Alzheimer’s if my parent has it.
- Fact: A person has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s if their parent has been diagnosed with the disease. However, just because a parent has Alzheimer’s does not mean their children will develop it as well.
Myth: Alzheimer’s symptoms are normal as we get older.
- Fact: Many people become more forgetful as they age, and some forgetfulness, such as losing things from time to time, is normal. However, common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as frequently making poor judgments and decisions, having problems recognizing friends and family, or losing track of the date or time of year, are not a normal part of aging.
Explore more myths and facts about Alzheimer’s disease.
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